This Recipe includes
| Bread slices |
| Cheese slices (gruyere or emmental) |
| Grated cheese |
| Slices of ham, turkey, or chicken |
| Eggs |
| Butter |
| Milk |
| (Optional) Paprika, chives or nutmeg |
| Salt and pepper |
Why we love it
Croque, which translates in English as “to bite”, is pronounced as “crok”. The original Croque Monsieur was first seen on a restaurant menu of a Parisian café in 1910, becoming popular very quickly afterward.
And since French chefs are always aiming to try something new, the Croque Madame was born. Today both croques have become part of those legendary and classic French dishes that have stood the test of time.
Difference between Croque Monsieur and Madame
The main difference between a croque monsieur and a croque madame is that there is a fried egg on top of the Croque Madame. The name is supposed to reflect a woman’s hat, since that is what a fried egg looks like. A bit gender stereotypical, but it is what it is.
☞ READ MORE: Jambon Beurre: The Classic French Sandwich
How do you eat a Croque Madame?
Now, although the Croque Madame is a sandwich, it is quite messy to eat. You will have to do as the French do and eat it with a knife and fork.
I do not however recommend trying to transport these to take it to the office, it can get quite messy indeed.
What do you serve with it?
Since the Croque Madame is usually served at lunchtime in France as a lighter meal, it is usually served by itself, or with a small salad.
Other heartier options would be with a vegetable soup like minestrone or french fries.
What drinks to serve with it?
The Croque Madame could go with a beer, but alas in France, we tend to stick to wines during a meal. (Yes, even at lunchtime.)
A light rosé or chilled white goes quite well with a Croque Monsieur, such as a Rosé-de-loire or a Cabernet-de-Saumur from the Loire Valley.
Croque Madame Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 bread slices
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 cheese slices
- 1/2 cup of grated cheese eg. gruyère or emmental
- 1-2 eggs
- 1-2 slices of ham use sliced chicken or turkey if you don't eat pork
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
- Pinch of paprika, chives or nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Take 2 bread slices and liberally butter one side of each.
- Place the cheese slices on each piece of bread, on the buttered side.
- Add a piece of ham on top of the cheese.
- Close the sandwich.
- In a bowl, mix grated cheddar (or gruyère) with milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add paprika, chives, or nutmeg for extra flavor to the mixture.
- Apply the mixture to the top of the sandwich.
- Bake in the pan for 10 minutes.
- In a pan, melt some butter on heat.
- Crack open the eggs and fry until whites are set.
- Transfer the egg from the pan to the top of the sandwich and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Please note: We are not certified nutritionists and these estimates are approximate. Each individual’s dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual.
You are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to your health. This website is written and produced for entertainment purposes only.
And it’s that simple. If you enjoyed that recipe, you may like to get the recipes for more classic French comfort food. A bientôt!
